Callum Jones

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating an allegation that Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds committed an offence of misconduct in a public office.

The IPCC announced today that Mr Simmonds is being investigated for an alleged breach of the Data Protection Act by disclosing information relating to a criminal investigation to third parties.

The matter was referred to the IPCC by the Northamptonshire Police and Crime Panel last month.

The IPCC investigation will examine if Mr Simmonds inappropriately disclosed sensitive and confidential information relating to an investigation conducted by Northamptonshire Police in 2013.

In a statement released by Northamptonshire Police, Chief Constable Adrian Lee said he and Mr Simmonds both valued the “transparency and openness that IPCC investigations can provide.”

He said: “Mr Simmonds has set a direction in the Police and Crime Plan, which I and the force fully support. It is transformational and is enabling Northamptonshire Police to lead on a number of important national initiatives. Policing in Northamptonshire is improving in a very challenging financial climate.

“Mr Simmonds and I have stated our commitment to vision, values and vocation in policing - integrity and authenticity are central to the way that I lead the force and the Commissioner holds me to account, shared values has ensured that the necessary tension of the chief constable - Commissioner relationship is always focused on what is best for policing in Northamptonshire. The Commissioner and I will continue to work hard to deliver the plan, working hard for the communities which we both have the privilege to serve.”